South Glen Shiel Ridge Walk
Table of contents
The South Glen Shiel Ridge Walk is a favourite among Munro-baggers as this incredible, adventurous excursion will see you cresting along a grassy ridge that undulates across seven summits. While most of the route features memorable ridgewalking, you will face some short scramble sections. Most people attempt to complete this long route in one day, but you can always split it into two by descending from the Druim na Coire nan Eirecheanach ridge and then take the Druim Thollaidh ridge the next morning. Don't forget to organize transportation for nine or so kilometres back to your car!
Route Description for South Glen Shiel Ridge Walk
The South Glen Shiel Ridge in Scottish Highlands is a fantastic activity for adventure seekers wanting to bag several (7 to be exact) Munros in one go! This is a popular full-day hike for avid walkers as not only is it an incredible feat to tackle seven summits higher than 9,144 m, but walking the grassy crest along the ridge grants phenomenal views. It's recommended to download a GPS as some spots can be tricky to navigate. And keep in mind that the start of the walk pushes a switchbacking ascent, and on the other side of the ridge, you'll take on a steep descent. Your shaky legs may have some troubles dipping down the ridge at the tail-end of the walk!
First, you'll summit Creag a' Mhaim, which stands high at 947 m. However, when you reach the top and pause to catch the views (and your breath), you can revel in the fact that you just tackled the most challenging part of this walk! From here, you'll climb to the second Munro, Druim Shionnach 987 m, which you can take via a narrow path or bypass this and use the less-technical approach on your left.
You'll reach the third peak 3km later, Aonach air Chrith, the tallest of this adventure—intimidating at 1,021 m. Follow some minor undulations and a slight dip in elevation before reaching the next summit, Maol Chinn-Dearg. Next, you'll go to Sgùrr an Doire Leathain, which has you taking on a slower ascent. The sixth Munro, Sgùrr an Lochain, requires a slight detour off the main path. Bask in the scenery by heading back to the ridge and toward the final Munro! After you have the option to check out another summit (not a Munro) or you can take the walker-created path to skip this and head to the final Munro, Creag nan Dàmh. This section requires a short scramble, so hopefully, your limbs have the energy to reach the top!
After the last peak, continue along the ridge for 2.0 km. At the tiny cairn, go north for the more intense descent. Remember to plan how to get back to your car, as this is a one-way route.
Getting to the South Glen Shiel Ridge Walk Trailhead
To get to the start of the South Glen Shiel Ridge Walk, head to the layby near Cluanie Inn (57°09'21.6"N 5°10'41.3"W). Cluanie Inn is located in Glenmoriston, a small village along the A887. It’s about 30 minutes from Kyle of Lochalsh
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Wild camping
When to do:
June-September
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
One Way
South Glen Shiel Ridge Walk Elevation Graph
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